VILLAGERS at Appleton Thorn, Warrington, celebrated their unique tradition of bawming the thorn, turning the clock back to medieval times.
Pupils from Appleton Thorn Primary School performed the special “bawming the thorn” ceremony following a parade through the village involving local community groups.
The tradition dates back to time of the crusades when history says a knight brought a thorn from the crown of Jesus and planted it at Appleton Thorn.
The village is the only one in the country to celebrate “bawming the thorn” when local school children dance around the special tree which is dressed with ribbons.
One of the stars of the show was 14-year-old Amy Dewsnip (pictured right ) from Bridgewater High School who wowed the watching crowds with her rendition of the bawming song.
Special guests at the event, co-ordinated by local business woman Nora Carlin from Arley’s Angels, included the deputy Mayor of Warrington Steve Wright and Warrington South MP David Mowat.
After parading through the village and the bawming dance, a community event took place on the fields behind Appleton Thorn village hall.
Rev Elaine Chegwin Hall, who helped officially launch the event, said it was an important part of community life celebrating the three “c’s” – the church, continuity and culture.
Pictured below event co-ordinator Nora Carlin from Arley’s Angels with Ian Robinson from the Crazy Hog Catering Company.
For more pictures from the event CLICK HERE
More pictures will be produced in the July edition of Village Life magazine
